By Tilda Acorlor
Node Eight, a digital innovation hub is set to launch an upcoming project that seeks to highlight the importance and inclusion of young people in local governance in the Ho, the Volta Regional Capital.
The project which is dubbed “The Young and Safe” is aimed at developing an inclusive and Supportive community for young people in Ho Municipality.
The Young and Safe project is supported by Fondation Botnar, a Swiss philanthropic foundation working to improve the health and well-being of young people living in growing cities around the world, together with Node Eight, Ghana Education Service, the Ho Municipal Assembly, and LoveAid Foundation.
The Volta Regional capital, Ho is a fast-growing metropolis with a young population who are confronted with youthful struggles such as mental health, sexual health, safety, and unemployment issues among others hence the initiative from Node Eight and its partners.
Often, many young people shy away from participating in local governance and pertinent issues that confront the youth due to limited knowledge and confidence which disconnects them from leadership and decision-making.
The Managing Director for Node Eight, Courage Asase is confident in “The Young and Safe” project will have an impact on the inclusion of young people in the local governance of the municipality.
“We are confident that this project will have a transformative impact on young people’s lives in the city and will ensure they have a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making in the city. This will make it safer, healthier, and more inclusive,” he said.
The initiative will be run for three years, it will address key issues such as youth participation in city governance, sexual and reproductive health, mental health support, creative self-expression, and digital employment opportunities.
The Young and Safe project will also increase young people’s employability by helping them build their digital innovation and entrepreneurship competencies.
The event will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
Node Eight keeps providing digital skills training, innovation programs, consulting services, community building, and program management services in the Ghanaian startup ecosystem having worked with key local and international partners such as GIZ, MEST Africa, Ho Technical University, and UNICEF.
